RELEASE CAPT.CHAWLA &amp; CH.OFF CHETAN SYAM

THIS PETITION IS TO HIGHLIGHT THE PLIGHT OF TWO MARINE OFFICERS, SAMSUNG'S INSENSITIVITY AND SOUTH KOREAN GOVERNMENT'S INJUSTICE AND SECURE THE RELEASE OF TWO INDIAN OFFICER LANGUISHING IN SOUTH KOREAN JAIL.
This here is to highlight the arrest and victimisation of two Indian professional maritime officers - Capt Jaspreet Chawla and ch.off Chetan Syam of the "MT Hebei spirit " .
The " MT Hebei spirit " was at safe anchorage in south Korean waters when a negligent Samsung Heavy industries tug-towed crane collided with it . The collision caused a breach of the hull on the MT Hebei spirit consequently leading to pollution . The Master ( Capt Chawla ) and the ch.officer did whatever best they could in minutes after the disaster . The officers were then detained and criminally prosecuted . since Dec 2007 . On 23rd June 2008 , the court found them proven innocent . The matter then went into appeal and on 10th Dec 2008 the court senctenced Capt Jaspreet to 18 months and the c/off Mr syam to 8 months of imprisonment !! . Further appeal awaits to increase the sentences to three years each .
It is interesting to note that how a South Korean giant owned tug-towed crane can get away despite causing the collision that resulted in the unfortunate pollution . Polution that was not the least intentional . Being anchored , there not much the Mt Hebei spirit could have done to avert the collision . South Korea has demonstrated what travesty of justice means ! . It is obvious that Samsung Heavy industries is being favoured because it comprises around 25% of the GDP of S Korea .
This is criminalisation of innocent professionals and ironically from a country whose trade is dependent and entire economy depends on the products moved and carried by ships and seafarers .
The least i can do as a member of the seafaring fraternity is to boycott further purchase of Korean products , especially Samsung . I therefore request all of you at the Nahar group to consider abstaining from purchase of any Samsung products and help in this cause by putting your foot down and refusing the matter from taking its own course until justice is achieved for the afflicted Master and officers and their deprived families .